Wilhelm Stenhammar was one of Sweden's most distinguished composers and pianists during the late Romantic period. Born on February 7, 1871, in Stockholm, Stenhammar quickly established himself as a formidable talent within the Scandinavian music scene. He was not only a prolific composer but also an accomplished pianist and conductor, serving as the principal conductor of the Göteborg Orkesterförening (now the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra) from 1907 to 1922.

Stenhammar's compositional style was initially influenced by German Romanticism, particularly the works of Brahms, but he gradually developed a more personal and nationally tinted idiom. His oeuvre is characterized by lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and a strong sense of structural integrity. He was particularly noted for his chamber music, including his string quartets which are often regarded as some of the finest contributions to the genre from the Nordic countries. Stenhammar's symphonies and piano works are also acclaimed, with Symphony No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 34 and the Serenade in F Major, Op. 31, being regarded as masterpieces of Swedish orchestral music. Despite his crucial role in the development of Swedish musical identity, Stenhammar's works were relatively neglected outside Scandinavia until the late 20th century, when a renewed interest in Nordic composers expanded his international reputation. Stenhammar died on November 20, 1927, but left a lasting legacy as one of Sweden's musical giants.

Genres

Early Modern Classical

Post-romantic Era

Swedish Classical

Latest Release

Stenhammar: The String Quartets

Wilhelm Stenhammar

Album - 30 Tracks - Released February 3, 2023